The Cleveland Guardians have a group of players who could be key to the team's success next year.
The Cleveland Guardians are heavily relying on development and progression to take the roster to the next level in 2026.
Here are three players who must take a jump next season for the Guardians to be the best version of themselves, and for these players to solidify themselves in Cleveland’s future plans.
Brayan Rocchio
The Guardians always seem to get an extra boost from Brayan Rocchio in the postseason, earning him the nickname “Playoff Rocchio.” That said, it would be nice if Cleveland could get a little more consistency and production from the infielder throughout the regular season, too.
Rocchio performed better after the All-Star Break and being recalled, recording a .689 OPS during the second half of the season, but the Guardians need him to really take a jump in 2026 to help stabilize the middle infield.
The shortstop is heading into his fourth big-league season, and now is the time for the former top prospect to show that he can be the high on-base percentage player he was in the minor leagues.
Oct 1, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) celebrates after scoring a home run in the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesBo Naylor
Bo Naylor has had an up-and-down career up to this point, but he showed incredible growth after some mid-season swing changes a year ago.
Now, he's heading into year four with another catching prospect making his way through Cleveland's farm system, Cooper Ingle. The 2026 season will be a critical season to see exactly what the former top prospects’ future looks like with the Guardians.
At his best, Bo could provide some pop in Cleveland’s lineup and got on base at a high rate. Considering the Guardians’ need for more offense, they really need Naylor to be the September 2025 version of himself, when he registered a .872 OPS.
Joey Cantillo
The Guardians are heading into spring training with a surplus of starting pitching. Cleveland needs to cut its rotation down one pitcher after finishing last season with a six-man rotation.
The odd man out could be Joey Cantillo.
Cantillo must take a jump and show he can be either a stable rotation member or a punchout reliever. The 26-year-old is out of minor league options, so if he doesn’t, his time with the organization could be limited.